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Major League Baseball and the Minnesota Twins launch grant initiative

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Press Release |

Major League Baseball and the Minnesota Twins today announced the launch of the first-ever "All-Star FANS CHOOSE" grant initiative, which will award $500,000 to a non-profit organization in the Upper Midwest region to support a capital project that will benefit the community. Non-profit groups in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin may apply at AllStarGame.com/FansChoose beginning today through May 23rd. This initiative, which will complement the efforts to leave a lasting All-Star legacy throughout Twins Territory, is supported by MLB, the Twins, the Twins Community Fund and the Pohlad Family Foundation.

A panel of judges, consisting of representatives from MLB and the Twins, will determine the final five 501c3 non-profit projects based on the following criteria: impact on community, scope, timeline, environmental improvement and sustainable design, and quality of application. Fans will be able to vote for their favorite projects on AllStarGame.com beginning on June 10th and through July 10th. The winning non-profit and capital project will be announced during MLB All-Star Week in July.

"The 'All-Star FANS CHOOSE' grant initiative is one of the most unique community efforts that Major League Baseball has ever put in place for the Midsummer Classic," Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig said. "This program will be an important element of our All-Star Summer efforts and will help us leave a lasting legacy in the communities of the Twin Cities. We are happy to join the entire Twins organization and the Pohlad family in order to help a worthy non-profit organization make a significant impact."

"The Minnesota Twins, the Twins Community Fund and the Pohlad Family Foundation are thrilled to have this unique opportunity to partner with Major League Baseball to ensure the 2014 All-Star Summer leaves a lasting legacy across Twins Territory," Twins President Dave St. Peter said. "The 'FANS CHOOSE" program - coupled with the overall All-Star Summer Legacy Giving plan - will help positively impact the lives of so many people. It's certain to be a highlight of what promises to be a very special All-Star Summer."

MLB All-Star Week at Target Field includes the 85th MLB All-Star Game (July 15th), Gatorade All-Star Workout Day (July 14th) featuring the Home Run Derby, Taco Bell All-Star Sunday (July 13th), including the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, and T-Mobile All‑Star FanFest at the Minneapolis Convention Center (July 11th-15th). Additionally, MLB and the Twins will create a lasting legacy for the Twin Cities area and beyond with a series of community and charitable initiatives and projects, which will be unveiled throughout MLB All-Star Week.